Humanities Entrance Award

What you will need

• ✓ Complete the common application in Award Spring
• ✓ Submit a two-minute video OR a short statement of up to 250 words answering the provided question

About this award

You can receive $4,000 through this scholarship, and there are a variable number of scholarships available. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a high school student who has worked hard to succeed and is now entering a humanities-focused program at university. You must apply by April 16, 2027 at 11:59 pm (ET). When you apply, ask McMaster's Faculty of Humanities how and when you'll hear back — whether it is by email, a portal, or phone. Selection criteria aren't published — ask McMaster's Faculty of Humanities how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask McMaster's Faculty of Humanities during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with McMaster's Faculty of Humanities whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must enter McMaster’s Humanities I or iArts (Integrated Arts) programs. You also need to meet a minimum admission average set by the Faculty of Humanities.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Canadian citizen, permanent resident or international student
• ✓ Open to high school students
• ✓ Studying Humanities I or iArts (Integrated Arts)

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Write your essay

   Be specific about what you did and what changed because of it. Proofread it twice.

3. 3

   Submit your application

   Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

• Personal StatementAvoid writing a generic essay that lists your grades. Instead, use your 250-word statement to answer the specific question provided in the application to show your personality.
• SupportAvoid recording your video in a noisy room. Instead, find a quiet space with good lighting so the committee can focus on your message.
• StrategyAvoid treating this as a single-award application. Instead, use the Award Spring (the university's digital scholarship portal) system to apply for multiple awards at once since one application can enter you into many different funding pools.
• RealismAvoid assuming the minimum admission average is the only requirement. Instead, treat the video or essay as your chance to stand out from other students with similar grades.

Questions students ask

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